Pennsylvania’s hospitals and health systems are among the most innovative and creative in their delivery of patient care services. Each year, the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) honors this innovation, creativity, and commitment to patient care through an annual Achievement Awards program, which showcases hospital and health system best practices in a variety of areas.

Seventeen winners were selected from 168 entries this year, with all submissions considered for the top prize, the “Innovation Award.” Abington Memorial Hospital’s Green Team was honored for its work with an award for “Operational Excellence,” and of the 168 entries, received the prestigious “Innovation Award.”

“This is truly gratifying,” said Judith Kratka, corporate director, Facilities and Sustainability, and chair of the Green Team. “I am really proud of the work we’ve accomplished, but there’s always room for improvement.

“It’s a great honor to be recognized,” continued Kratka. “Not just for our outcomes, which are tremendous, but for the innovative ways we’ve accomplished those goals.”

The 2011 Achievement Award entries were evaluated by a 15-judge panel representing the public and private sectors, health care and business organizations, the media, and for-profit and nonprofit entities.

HAP is a statewide membership services organization that advocates for nearly 250 Pennsylvania acute and specialty care, primary care, sub-acute care, long-term care, home health, and hospice providers, as well as the patients and communities they serve.